Automotive switch lighted with integral diodes

• US 5,453,731 A
• Filed: 11/22/1993
• Issued: 09/26/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Beyer, Robin H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancuso, Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHRISTENSEN, ANDREW BRUCE
• Application Number:
  US08/155,566
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 340/461, 340/462, 340/513, 340/525, 362/800, 315/324, 315/362, 200/315, 200/316, 200/317
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/14 lighting through the surface to be illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/16 Circuits; Control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/85 for manual control of the light, e.g. of colour, orientation or intensity
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 23/025 Light-emitting indicators

Abstract

A two color, light emitting diode having a green diode and a red diode therein is incorporated with a control switch for an automotive accessory. The control switch is normally green in color providing a finger target when the system is not operated because only the green diode emits light. The diode is amber in color upon closing the switch because the red diode and green diode are both illuminated. The two color, light emitting diode is used for accessory systems such as electric windows, traction control systems, rear window defrosters and other accessory systems.

Claims

1. In an accessory control system for determining whether an accessory for an automotive vehicle is in a first mode or a second mode, wherein the accessory control system is powered by a source of current connected to the accessory control system by a manual switch having a body portion configured for finger operation, the improvement comprising:

a light emitting diode system comprising first and second diode elements emitting first and second colors, the diodes being in proximity with one another, the light emitting diode system being disposed between the source of current and the accessory control system and being incorporated into the structure of the switch so that the light of the diode system is visible therethrough, wherein when only the first diode element is energized, the diode system and thus the switch is a first color and when both diode elements are energized, the diode system and thus the switch is a third color which is a combination of the first and second colors;

a first line connecting the first diode element to the source of current for energizing the first diode element to emit the first color through the switch continuously to provide a viable indication that the accessory is in the first mode and a visible target for the operator'"'"'s finger;

a second line connecting the second diode element and the accessory control circuit through the manual switch to the source of current wherein when the manual switch is closed, the second diode element is energized to emit the second color continuously through the switch with the first color to provide a visible indication in the third color that the accessory is in the second mode and to provide a visible target for the operator'"'"'s finger.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the first diode element emits green light and the second diode element emits red light whereby the three color diode is green when the switch is open and is amber when the switch is closed.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the accessory control system operates a rear window defrost system.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the accessory control system operates a traction control system.

5. In combination with a vehicle having electric windows, each powered to a lowered and raised position by an electric motor operated by a manual switch having a body portion;

a two color diode system integral with the body portion of the manual switch to provide a visible target for an operator'"'"'s finger, the two color diode system having a first diode element connected directly to ground and a second diode element connected to the motor via a window operated switch, the window operated switch being normally closed;

means associated with the window for holding the window operated switch open when the window is closed and for allowing the window operated switch to close when the window is open, whereby the two color, light emitting diode system is illuminated by the first diode element when the window is closed and by both the first and second diode elements when the window is open to emit a third color.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein the first diode element emits green light and the second diode element emits red light whereby, when the window is closed, the three color diode system is green and when the window is open, the three color diode system is amber.